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8 Essential Harry Potter Sites in Edinburgh

Kimberley
Posted on 23 Feb 2017

Potterheads unite, we’re gathered on platform 9 ¼, ready to board in search of the best Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh. While no movie scenes were captured within the city itself, it sure inspired for elements of the story and can be appreciated while roaming its busy streets.

Coming up in this article:

The Background to Harry Potter in Edinburgh

In 1990, JK Rowling started writing Harry Potter.

And 7 years later, she published her first book.

I didn’t start reading this incredible series until a few years years later, when I was nine years old; but I quickly became what my friends call a ‘Potter Geek’. And if you’re reading this, you probably know we prefer the term Potterhead.

Most of JK’s writing of the Potter series happened in the city, which make for a great excuse to tour Edinburgh, if ever it needed an excuse. So, it’s not only an amazing place for me to live, but it’s also a great destination to visit for the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

With many descending on the city in search of where the enchanting words we’re formed, take a film location tour for ease of having the planning done for you.

8 Must-Visit Edinburgh Locations for Harry Potter Enthusiasts

The Elephant House
Greyfriars Kirkyard
George Heriot’s School
Victoria Street and the Grassmarket
Nicolsons Cafe
Potterow
The Dog House
Balmoral Hotel

1. The Elephant House

You may know JK spent a lot of time in cafes writing her earlier novels. The Elephant House became the most well-known of these establishments. It even branded itself as the ‘Birthplace of Harry Potter’. And with brilliant views of the Old Town, it’s easy to see why Jo found inspiration here. This may sound strange, but I recommend you go to the bathroom here (the graffiti on the wall is exceptional!).*

*Unfortunately, in 2021 the cafe was destroyed in a fire and was permanently closed until further notice. This was until they opened The Elephant House on Victoria Street, which is now open to satisfy those magical cravings. Set with JK’s writing desk, this location was favoured to allow fans to appreciate views over what is thought to be one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley.

2. Greyfriars Kirkyard

Death is a theme that runs through the Potter series. So, it should come as no surprise there are a few noticeable names in Greyfriar's Kirkyard. Can you spot my Head of House, or ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’?

3. George Heriot’s School

A short walk from the Elephant Café is George Heriot’s School, which is thought to have provided the inspiration for Hogwarts. Like Hogwarts, the building is grand and includes towers and turrets. The pupils wear school uniforms and are sorted into houses. But unlike Hogwarts, the house names are Lauriston, Greyfriars, Raeburn, and Castle. But, there’s no better house than Gryffindor (I’m definitely not biased).

If you’re interested in Hogwarts-like buildings, discover our guide to the best castles in Scotland and see which ones you can tick off your list.

4. Victoria Street and the Grassmarket

Wander down from Greyfriars and you find yourself in the Grassmarket and near the connecting Victoria Street. Many people feel like they are walking through Diagon Alley when they stroll down Victoria Street. And the Grassmarket is reminiscent of Hogsmeade, with its many pubs and quirky shops. Unfortunately, you won’t find any Skiving Snackboxes here.

5. Nicolson's Cafe

This is a lesser-known cafe JK took refuge in while writing the collection of Potter books. When Philosopher’s Stone was being written, it was called Nicholson’s Café and owned by JK’s brother-in-law, it was then named Spoons, but has since changed back to Nicolson's. Now, you can enjoy lunch, whilst re-reading one of the books or pouring over Pottermore.

6. Potterow

Creatives are inspired by everything: food, faces, fragrances, and even street signs. So, people say this street name may have inspired the name of our favourite boy wizard.

7. The Dog House

There are a few eateries in Edinburgh that claim some of the Harry Potter books were written there. But The Dog House isn’t one of them. Don’t worry though, this friendly pub has another reason to stop by, and that reason is Butterbeer. It’s attractively cheap, and the buttery goodness is something that all Potterheads can appreciate!

8. Balmoral Hotel

As the Potter series became more popular, Jo could no longer find peace and quiet in city cafés to write. It was in room 552 in the Balmoral Hotel that she completed Deathly Hallows. For an astronomical fee, Potterheads from Ivermorny, Beauxbatons, Mahoutokoro and all over the world can stay in what’s now known as the JK Rowling Suite. Suitably fitted with a purple door, you surely can’t miss this on your wanders through the halls.

Edinburgh Harry Potter map

Outside of Edinburgh Harry Potter locations

If these eight Edinburgh locations didn’t meet your wizardry satisfaction, why not head on a trip from Edinburgh? Here we diverge from the books to the magic of the movies.

Alnwick Castle

My first Rabbie’s tour will come as no surprise. It was Alnwick Castle, where the first two Harry Potter movies were filmed. The tour itself was fantastic because our driver/guide James knew we were all Potterheads and made sure to tailor his stories towards us. Alnwick Castle is brilliant for both Potter and movie fans. Knowledgeable guides talk you through the different scenes that were shot on site, which allows you to really feel like you are part of the movie. There is also the chance for a quick Flying Lesson!

Lochaber and Glen Coe

Hogwarts is situated in the North of Scotland, so it only makes sense they filmed a lot of the landscapes here. Lochaber and Glen Coe are used for many backdrops because of their stunning lakes and hills. It truly puts the best of Britain on screen. One of the most famous of these shots is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This iconic bridge can be seen in the movies when students are travelling from London to Scotland on the Hogwarts Express. This is one location that I was desperate to visit because it’s one journey every Potterhead dreams of taking. “Anything from the trolley, dears?”

You can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct on this four-day tour of Skye and the West Highlands.

Become a Wizard in Edinburgh

Your letter arrived, your trunk is packed and you're finally ready to descend on the city that inspired your favourite wizarding stories. It's everything you dreamed it would be and more. Around each close is a viewpoint unlocking the secrets of Edinburgh, and let's not forget the distant humming of bagpipes singing us a lullaby. Yes, Edinburgh is a city for Harry Potter fans, but everyone's welcome. For more film inspired city's, find tours of England or plan a trip to Ireland with your favourite characters in mind. If you’re still in need of inspiration, be sure to sign up to our newsletter. Packed full of short stories, our newest departure points and latest offers, including Black Friday deals, it’s delivered directly to your inbox for ease.